By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Ninety young university graduates from Tonkolili, Moyamba, and the Western Rural District have been capacitated with essential job readiness skills under the European Union-funded Youth Action for Good Governance and Self-Reliance (YAGGS) project.
The two-day seminar, implemented by ActionAid Sierra Leone in partnership with the Centre for Coordination of Youth Activities (CCYA), was designed to bridge the gap between tertiary education and the competitive job market. Participants received intensive training in career guidance, CV development, application letter writing, job search techniques, and interview skills.
Speaking at the close of the seminar, YAGGS Project Manager, Hezina Johnson, highlighted the vision behind the initiative. She stressed the importance of equipping young people with the right skills to make themselves employable after completing their university education.
“We are committed to imparting knowledge to these young minds for a competitive job market,” Johnson said. “After attaining tertiary education, we believe one must be able to make themselves marketable.”
The training was described as timely and transformative by the participants, many of whom said it had given them renewed confidence to actively pursue employment opportunities.
Abass Kabba Jalloh, a graduate from Tonkolili, explained how the program had expanded his understanding of what employers look for in applications. “This training widened my thoughts on CV development and gave me the confidence to apply for any job,” he said.
Another participant, Mariatu Lacckor, expressed her gratitude to ActionAid and CCYA, noting that the training had prepared her to present herself better in interviews. “I have learned a lot, especially on CV development and interviews. I thank ActionAid for their immense gesture and promise to cascade the message to other young people,” she stated.
Organizers emphasized that beyond personal development, the aim of the YAGGS project is to create ripple effects within communities, with trained graduates expected to share their knowledge with peers and inspire others to prepare for employment opportunities.
The seminar forms part of ActionAid Sierra Leone’s wider effort to tackle youth unemployment and underemployment, which remain pressing challenges in the country. By targeting recent university graduates, the YAGGS project is equipping a critical section of the population with practical tools to transition from the classroom to the workforce.
According to the organizers, job readiness programs such as this not only build employability but also instill self-reliance and confidence among young people. They further noted that graduates who are better prepared for the labour market are more likely to secure gainful employment, contribute positively to national development, and reduce dependency.
The European Union, through its support to YAGGS, continues to invest in projects that enhance good governance, youth empowerment, and economic self-sufficiency in Sierra Leone. By addressing both employability and civic engagement, the initiative is creating a pathway for young people to actively participate in shaping their future.
As the seminar concluded, many participants expressed hope that similar initiatives would be rolled out across the country to reach more graduates. For the 90 young people trained this week, however, the journey towards self-reliance and career success has already begun, fueled by new knowledge, sharpened skills, and strengthened confidence.
